The Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel is Oslo's most prominent hotel in the most literal sense: The 37-story skyscraper is the tallest building in Norway, and towers above the other buildings in the city skyline. With 676 rooms, it's also Norway's largest hotel -- and as part of the luxurious Radisson Blu chain, it's definitely one of the highest profile picks in Oslo. Rooms are contemporary, if chain-like, and Business Class Rooms come with added extras such as free movie channels and Nespresso machines. The ultra-decadent specialty suites have hosted numerous celebrities. The hotel's features, as one might expect for a property of this size, are many -- a restaurant with jaw-dropping views, an airy fitness center, and even a lap pool -- but there is no spa. Some may find the size impersonal, and visitors should expect some serious crowds in the sprawling lobby.

The Britannia Hotel is Trondheim's grande dame. This historic luxury property (opened in 1897) has hosted royalty, celebrities, and diplomats over the years, and today continues to be one of the city's most prestigious options. Its rooms have traditional decor (most have plaid fabrics and wood furniture), and though they're not the most luxurious in town, the hotel's real draws are its historic character, impressive restaurants, and most notably, full-service spa -- one of the only hotel spas in Norway.

This historic, 107-room property is a haven for business travelers, with multiple meeting rooms and frequent conferences hosted on-site. The location on the harbor and within walking distance of Old Town will appeal to leisure travelers as well, though the hotel can feel a bit overrun by business guests during big events. Lovely historic details include wood paneling and chandeliers, but the overall feel is slightly corporate and some areas could use renovation. Standard Rooms have traditional decor but are a bit bland, and lack the level of charm found in other parts of the hotel. Room decor gets more impressive as you go up in price category, as do the amenities: Only suites come with L'Occitane toiletries and tea/coffee makers, and only Deluxe Rooms and above get robes and slippers. All rooms come with free bottled water, minibars, flat-screen TVs.

This 50-room boutique hotel is notable for two reasons: Its charming Norway-meets-Bali decor, and its eco-friendly philosophy. Some rooms and bathrooms are tiny, and the location is a tad removed from the heart of the action (though the Royal Palace and Aker Brygge are within walking distance). But features such as rustic-chic four-poster beds with fur throws; 27-inch iMacs in the rooms in lieu of TVs; a free organic breakfast; and a small spa area with a sauna make this an attractive, intimate option.

The 121-room Fretheim Hotel is the main hotel in tiny Flam, a village that's the jumping off point for a number of fjord cruises. The property has a rich history -- it dates back to the late 19th century -- and the common spaces have charm to spare. Rooms, however, are a mixed bag; 80 percent have basic mid-range decor, while the rest are higher-end. (American Wing Rooms are contemporary, while Historic Wing Rooms -- though lacking TVs for added authenticity -- are lovely and quaint.) The hotel makes the most of its unique, naturally beautiful location with soaring glass windows in the lobby and restaurant that frame the steep surrounding mountains.

Rica Park stands out for its old-world ambiance: Think floral drapery, studded leather armchairs, and wooden bookcases lined with colorful books. It's intimate at 59 rooms, and the cozy feel is furthered by a lobby fireplace and the smell of freshly-baked waffles wafting through the lobby all afternoon, a treat for returning guests or those checking in. The decor and style of guest rooms (particularly the bathrooms) is a bit unexciting, especially considering the pleasant lobby, but they're large, and the hotel has a fairly central location near the lake and theater.

This trendy 47-room boutique hotel is located in the quiet residential neighborhood of Majorstuen, to the northeast of the Royal Palace Park. It re-opened in spring 2011 after major renovations, and now features stylish contemporary decor throughout. The building housing the hotel dates to the late 19th century, and the hotel honors Oslo's past with subtle decor details; for example, historic photographs of the city are emblazoned on the elevator doors and on decorative pillows. Rooms blend traditional elegance with modern style, and come with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and walk-in showers. The hotel offers a free breakfast buffet and cozy lobby bar, but no other features. The location is a bit removed from the heart of the action, and it's worth comparing rates with the slightly more central Carlton Hotel Guldsmeden.

With 400 rooms, a soaring atrium over the lobby, and an event space that holds up to 2,500, this hotel that opened in April 2012 is more Las Vegas than Europe. Although the location could be better, the unique design, hip bar and restaurant on the top floor, and a cozy lobby bar -- reminiscent of a W -- are all upsides. Rooms have extremely comfortable beds, and some have views of the water. Environmentally conscious guests may appreciate the hotels many eco initiatives, such as textured windows that help conserve energy and a ballroom that adjusts its temperature based on carbon dioxide output.

Opened in 2003, the 349-room Rica Nidelven is a modern structure standing over the Nidelva River, with a soaring ceiling in the lobby and lots of lovely water views from public spaces. Its standout features are its delicious food and abundance of sun-filled meeting rooms, though the 24-hour fitness center and rotating art gallery in the lobby also add to the appeal. Lower-level rooms were renovated in 2009, followed by higher-level rooms getting an update in 2012, and are sharp and bright, with sleek contemporary accents. The hotel isn't in the heart of the action, but it's a short walk to most sights, including the charming Bakklandet neighborhood.

The Clarion Hotel Admiral, housed in a historic former boat warehouse on the Bergen harbor, is a solid option within walking distance of popular sights. Though the restaurant area and many of the rooms are dated and awaiting renovation (slated to be completed by November 2013), the renovated rooms are contemporary and stylish; some have balconies with views of the water. The updated room decor is on par with that at the Clarion Collection Havnekontoret and the Radisson Blu Royal, but prices here tend to be lower -- perhaps due to the less impressive common spaces, fewer features, or location farther from Bryggen. tag:revisit 11/1/2013